Just auditioned Q7's about a week ago at my dealer's place. About six months ago in the same system I also had audition Q5s. While the bass was noticeably more in Q7, both sounded somewhat similar. Both still sounded mechanical and electronic- far from SOTA IMO, but like many other systems claimed to be 'SOTA' category. Then again SOTA definition in audio is different for different audiophiles= two main contingents being true to recording and other being true to non amplified acoustic instruments in live space (close to life-like). I am in the lifelike camp.
With that said I will be the first one to say speakers are what they are being driven by- electronic, cabling, power and most important of all- music and quality of recordings. In this system although at both instances, the electronics (solid state) and cabling was same, once when we switched to tubed mono blocks in Q5 case, the performance of Q5 did show some promise, if system is made well balanced. And I am sure same would be true for Q7. ( We didn't try tubed mono blocks due to time constraints).
But, overall coming from Aircraft/Space Engineering background and having dealt with Aluminum material all my life, I am highly skeptical that these speakers can 'fully' produce life like woody bloom. Not an entirely impossible concept but a very balancing and daunting task. Just imagine a acoustic guitar with Al curved body!. I usually stay away from expressing my opinions (of any kind) on this forum, having heard both in controlled well designed listening room, and with $$$$$$ electronics I thought it is a good idea for me to post my thoughts.
Just my 2 cents, not looking for any debates.
With that said I will be the first one to say speakers are what they are being driven by- electronic, cabling, power and most important of all- music and quality of recordings. In this system although at both instances, the electronics (solid state) and cabling was same, once when we switched to tubed mono blocks in Q5 case, the performance of Q5 did show some promise, if system is made well balanced. And I am sure same would be true for Q7. ( We didn't try tubed mono blocks due to time constraints).
But, overall coming from Aircraft/Space Engineering background and having dealt with Aluminum material all my life, I am highly skeptical that these speakers can 'fully' produce life like woody bloom. Not an entirely impossible concept but a very balancing and daunting task. Just imagine a acoustic guitar with Al curved body!. I usually stay away from expressing my opinions (of any kind) on this forum, having heard both in controlled well designed listening room, and with $$$$$$ electronics I thought it is a good idea for me to post my thoughts.
Just my 2 cents, not looking for any debates.